Stamps on London Attestation Forms

[bsr25]

Hi all,

Ive noticed on a number of Attestation Forms for Londoners, a rubber stamp with the words 'South London' and 'West London' (And on one occasion, 'R.R. No. _______ Ealing'). They are also accompanied by a number in many cases, though it is hard to tell one the ones that do not if that is because it is burnt off or was never there. I have included an example. Im trying to figure out what it means. I have some suspicion it is to do with 'recruiting areas' (such as the South London Recruiting Area mentioned here) but I do not know enough about them and what I have been able to piece together is not a full story.

 

I initially assumed it was the Armlet number that pops up on some forms for Derby schemers, but on one record I found both the armlet number as well as a different number next to the rubber stamp.

I did some digging searching service files for people joining the London Scottish (the regiment I am researching) but later expanded out my search to anyone living in London to see if I can see some patterns.
 

Battalion	Regiment #	Stamp #	Stamp Place	Attested	Place	Called Up	Residence
London Scottish	6394	?	West London	4 Dec 1915	Paddington	5 Jan 1916	Paddington
London Scottish	6925	?	West London	10 Jan 1915	Chelsea	25 Feb 1916	Chelsea
London Scottish	7526	?	West London	26 Nov 1915	Paddington	11 Apr 1916	Paddington
London Scottish	8398	22862	South London	Conscripted	-	29 Aug 1916	Battersea
London Scottish	8461	2294_	South London	12 Dec 1915	Paddington	4 Sep 1916	Brixton
London Scottish	8465	27790	South London	12 Dec 1915	Battersea	7 Sep 1916	Battersea
London Scottish	514714	40078	South London	7 May 1916	?	24 Jan 1917	Kennington
Royal Garrison Artillery	160036	45436	South London	Conscripted	-	12 May 1917	Lambeth
21st London Reg	4941	?	West London	29 Nov 1915	Marylebone	1 Mar 1916	Marylebone

 

Its a short list admittedly, but seems to show patterns. It is not based on the location of Attestation (based on comparing Paddington attestations), but the Residence seems to line up with South/West London areas. The number also seems to increase with the date of attestation/mobilisation.

 

Does anyone recognise these rubber stamps and what they mean? Or have any further examples?

Many thanks,

Ben